In conjunction with increased insulation levels in the fabric of buildings, heat losses due to thermal bridging have become increasingly important
To avoid excessive heat losses and local condensation problems, reasonable care should be taken to ensure continuity of insulation and to limit local thermal bridging
All-Building Service The Y-factor of the entire external envelope will be calculated based on the Psi-value of all relevant junctions
A person offering a home for sale or rent, or their agent is required to engage a BER Assessor to carry out a BER assessment.
ACS are accredited by NSAI to perform Thermal Bridge Assessments.
In conjunction with increased insulation levels in the fabric of buildings, heat losses due to thermal bridging have become increasingly important. This in turn has increased the demand for such thermal bridging to be thermally modelled eliminating the risk of surface condensation and mold growth as well as improving fabric thermal performance.
As outlined in clause 1.3.3.1 of Technical Guidance Document (TGD) Part L
- To avoid excessive heat losses and local condensation problems, reasonable care should be taken to ensure continuity of insulation and to limit local thermal bridging, e.g. around windows, doors and other wall openings, at junctions between elements and other locations. Any thermal bridge should not pose a risk of surface or interstitial condensation. Heat loss associated with thermal bridges is taken into account in calculating energy use and CO2 emissions using the DEAP methodology.
- There are a number of approaches to make reasonable provision with regard to limitation of thermal bridging, this scheme address item (iii) of clause 1.3.3.2 of TGD Part L namely 1.3.3.2 (iii) use certified details which have been assessed in accordance, and comply, with Appendix D, e.g. certified by a third party certification body such as NSAI Agrément or equivalent or certified by a member of an approved thermal modellers scheme or equivalent for all key junctions.
ACS offer different Service Levels
- Level 1: Flat-Fee Service Simply book-in the assessment, email detailed cross-sectional drawings and within ¬ve working days the thermal bridge value will be emailed to you. Assessing one detail will cost €200, two €350 and three €480. Special rates apply for multiple details.
- Level 2: All-Building Service The Y-factor of the entire external envelope will be calculated based on the Psi-value of all relevant junctions. This factor can then be put directly into DEAP or PHPP. The fee will be dependent on the complexity of the building. Simply email a complete set of dimensioned construction or tender detail drawings and you will receive a quote within three working days.
- Level 3: High Performance Consultancy Service We work with you to enhance construction details to achieve your desired standard, resulting in a signi¬cantly improved BER rating or compliance with PHPP.
The Y-factor of a building (W/m2K) is the sum of all linear thermal bridges multiplied by their length and divided by the total exposed surface area. This is a required input in DEAP (Domestic Energy Assessment Procedure). The lower the ¬v alue the better the energy efficiency of the building’s exposed surfaces. ‘Limiting Thermal Bridging and Air Infi¬ltration Acceptable Construction Details’ (published July 2008) is the Dept of Environment, Heritage and Local Government’s guide to help the construction industry in the identi¬cation, measurement and management of airtightness and thermal bridging in standard construction details. The full document can be downloaded from www.environ.ie/en/TGD
Want to discuss your project?
Just give us a call on 01 4428924 or